ICOMOS Lebanon

World Heritage Site Byblos One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Byblos is where the Phoenician alphabet was born. Historical Significance Inhabited since at least 5000 BCE, Byblos (Jbeil) is considered one of the oldest cities in the world with continuous habitation. It was the most important Phoenician port from which cedar wood and papyrus were shipped across the Mediterranean. The very word ‘Bible’ derives from the Greek name for Byblos, a testament to its association with writing and trade in papyrus scrolls. The city played a crucial role in the diffusion of the Phoenician alphabet, the ancestor of virtually all modern alphabets. Archaeological Layers Walking through Byblos is like reading an open book of human civilization. The site contains Neolithic dwellings, Chalcolithic houses, Early Bronze Age temples, Egyptian-influenced structures, a Phoenician royal necropolis, Persian fortifications, a Roman colonnade and amphitheater, a Crusader castle, and Ottoman-era architecture. Each layer coexists, creating a palimpsest of Mediterranean history that spans seven millennia. Byblos – Captured by Ali Hamada Modern Byblos Today, Byblos thrives as a charming coastal town where the ancient port is lined with restaurants and the medieval souk bustles with artisan shops. The city successfully balances tourism with heritage conservation, serving as a model for sustainable cultural tourism in the region. Annual festivals, including a renowned international music festival, ensure the city’s cultural vitality continues into the modern era. Quick Facts Region                   Mount Lebanon Period                    Neolithic – Ottoman Inscribed               1984 Criteria                  (iii)(iv)(vi) View on UNESCO Open User Map This block will show your Locations on a map in the front end. Custom Map Position (optional): Latitude Longitude Zoom Filter Locations (optional): Filter by Marker Categories [PRO] Filter by POST IDs Witness damage or threat to this site? Report it immediately. Report a Threat Report

World Heritage Site Baalbek Home to some of the best-preserved and grandest Roman temple ruins in the world, Baalbek is a testament to imperial Roman architecture. Historical Significance Known as Heliopolis in antiquity, Baalbek was one of the largest sanctuaries in the Roman Empire and a pilgrimage destination for thousands. The site’s religious importance predates the Romans — the Phoenicians venerated Baal here, and the Greeks identified it with Helios, the sun god. The Romans transformed it over two centuries into a monumental complex that rivaled anything in Rome itself. Its sheer scale was intended to project imperial power to the eastern provinces. The Temple Complex The Temple of Jupiter, originally surrounded by 54 colossal Corinthian columns (of which six still stand at 22 meters), remains one of the largest temples ever built. Adjacent stands the remarkably intact Temple of Bacchus, considered the best-preserved Roman temple of its size anywhere in the world. The circular Temple of Venus, with its graceful colonnade, showcases a more intimate architectural expression. The Trilithon — three massive stones weighing approximately 800 tons each — continues to fascinate engineers and archaeologists. Baalbek – Captured by Rolf Neumann The Living Heritage Baalbek is not merely an archaeological relic but a living cultural venue. The Baalbek International Festival, held annually among the temple ruins since 1956, has hosted legendary performers from Ella Fitzgerald to Fairuz, bridging ancient heritage with contemporary culture. This dual identity as both a monument and a stage makes Baalbek uniquely vital in Lebanon’s cultural landscape. Quick Facts Region                   Bekaa Valley Period                    Phoenician / Roman Inscribed               1984 Criteria                  (i)(iv) View on UNESCO Open User Map This block will show your Locations on a map in the front end. Custom Map Position (optional): Latitude Longitude Zoom Filter Locations (optional): Filter by Marker Categories [PRO] Filter by POST IDs Witness damage or threat to this site? Report it immediately. Report a Threat Report